He was born March 8, 1939, a son of Arthur and Blanche (Lambert) Thibodeau in the family home in Wilder, where Gene continued to live until his death. He attended school in Wilder and White River Jct. before serving in the US Army from 1956 until being honorably discharged in 1959. Eugene was married to Natalie Shepard in St. Anthony’s Church in White River Jct. Sept. 17, 1960. They raised their family in Wilder and spent over 40 years together before her death in 2001. Gene worked as a mechanic at area garages for most of his life, retiring from Roger’s Garage in White River Jct. in 2003. In his retirement he enjoyed delivering parts for Northeast Foreign Car Parts.

Gene also enjoyed hunting and watching the Patriots play football, but most of all enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

His family gives a special thanks to the entire medical staff at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center including Dr. Forbush, Dr. Ashley and the One South team for the loving care they gave to their father and grandfather.

He was predeceased by his wife, Natalie; a son, Danny Thibodeau; brothers, Arthur Jr., Richard, Paul and Gerard Thibodeau and a sister, June Thibodeau.

Gene leaves his daughters, Michelle McGee and her husband, Darren of Clifton Park, N.Y. and Barbara Bell and her husband, Gene of Bristol, Vt.; grandchildren, Jamie Bell and her fiancé, Brian Fernandes, Stephanie Bell and Lauren, Travis and Marcus McGee; a sister, Anne Stickney and her husband, Charles of Norwich, Vt., brothers, Roy Thibodeau and his wife, Germaine of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Bernard Thibodeau and his wife, Nancy of Norfolk, Va.; several nieces, nephews and cousins including a very special nephew, Tony Thibodeau and his wife, Susan who opened their home to Gene throughout the years.

Visiting hours will be held at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct. Friday evening Aug. 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home Saturday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. with Fr. Joseph O’Keefe officiating followed by burial in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery.